Hspa1a, a member of the heat shock protein family A, is a molecular chaperone crucial for cell survival [6,7]. It functions in maintaining proteome integrity through allosteric regulation of substrate affinity in a nucleotide-dependent manner by its nucleotide-and substrate-binding domains [7]. Hspa1a has been associated with multiple cellular pathways and stress responses, and its abnormal expression is linked to various diseases. Genetic models, such as gene knockout models, are valuable for studying its functions.

In the context of different diseases, studies have shown significant roles of Hspa1a. In a KrasG12D-based genetically engineered murine model, knockdown of Hspa1a specifically inhibited the malignant progression of Arid2-deficient lung cancers, suggesting Hspa1a as a potential therapeutic target in ARID2-deficient lung adenocarcinomas [4]. In spinal cord injury models, Hspa1a overexpression promoted neurological function recovery, inhibited apoptosis and pyroptosis, and alleviated neuroinflammation. Inhibition of Hspa1a had the opposite effects, indicating its neuroprotective role through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway [3,5]. In epidermal thermoresistance, Hspa1a protected cells from thermal stress by impeding ESCRT-0-mediated autophagic flux [1]. Also, in osteoblasts, METTL3-mediated m6A modification increased Hspa1a stability to inhibit osteoblast aging [2].

In summary, Hspa1a plays essential roles in protecting cells from stress, inhibiting cell death processes like apoptosis and pyroptosis, and is involved in disease-related cellular processes such as tumor progression and cell aging. Gene knockout and overexpression models in different disease contexts have been crucial in revealing these functions, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for conditions like spinal cord injury, lung adenocarcinoma, and senile osteoporosis.